Derive the volume of a sphere.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving the volume of a sphere, specifically the formula \( \frac{4}{3} \pi r^3 \). Participants explore various mathematical approaches and concepts related to this topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants discuss integrating the formula for the circumference of a circle to derive the area, while others question the validity of this approach in the context of deriving the volume of a sphere. There are suggestions to use spherical coordinates and triple integrals, as well as considering surfaces of revolution as methods to find the volume.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active with various methods being proposed, including integration techniques and geometric interpretations. Participants are questioning assumptions and clarifying concepts without reaching a consensus on a single approach.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the terminology used, such as the distinction between "deriving" and "differentiating" formulas. Additionally, there is mention of using the unit ball and converting to spherical coordinates, indicating a focus on specific mathematical frameworks.

pikapika!
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The forumula for 2¶r can intergrated to make ¶r^2 (at least I think). So can anyone derive the volume of a sphere
4/3¶r^3?
 
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First thing: the volume of a sphere is...0.

Second: to find the volume of a ball seen as a domain in [itex]\mathbb{R}^{3}[/itex], one could antidifferentiate the expression giving the surface of the ball as a function of its radius.

Daniel.
 
The forumula for [itex]2\pir[/itex] can intergrated to make [itex]\pir^2[/itex] (at least I think). So can anyone derive the volume of a sphere
[itex]4/3\pir^3[/itex]?
It is certainly true that the formula for the circumference of a circle can be integrated to give the formula for area of a circle but that has nothing to do with "deriving" the area formula- unless you mean "differentiating" it!
It is true that the formula for the surface area of a sphere, [itex]4\pir^2[/itex] can be integrated to give the volume of the ball but, again, that is not "deriving the formula".
 
to derive the volume of a sphere I think you want to start with the unit ball in 3 space. Then convert to spherical coordinates and integrate the triple intergral. I think I am close, I remember doing this a while back so take it FWIW.
 
Why not try a surface of revolution? For example, take a semi-circle and rotate it around the x-axis to find the volume.

[tex]\text{V}=\pi\int_{a}^{b}f(x)^2\,dx[/tex]
 
I solved this out for practice on my own. I found the volume of a revolved surface. I said [tex]\text{V}=\pi\int_{r}^{-r} (\sqrt{r^2 - x^2})^2dx[/tex].
I'm pretty sure that should work thus giving you a simple to evaluate integral of
[tex]\pi\int_{r}^{-r} \(r^2 -x^2)dx[/tex].
Should be easy enough. If you have trouble with understanding whereabout the integral came from, realize that it is simply the sum of the volume's of cylinders.
(Note: I hope I typed that latex code right...I've never used it before. Sorry if it comes out wrong.)
 
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